Evaluation of circumcision in terms of parental feedback and medical outcomes

INTRODUCTION: The prevalence of circumcision is virtually 100% in Turkey. The purpose of this study is to investigate the parental feedbacks and the medical outcomes of circumcision in a large cohort study.

METHODS: A questionnaire was designed to investigate parental opinions after their childs circumcision, and to document the medical considerations. The questionnaire forms consisted of a total of 14 questions. RESULTS: A total of 1000 childrens questionnaires were enrolled. The underlying causes of circumcision for parents were as follows; 1)tradition-social pressure (n=606), 2)religious belief (n=132), 3)medical problems (n=125), 4)hygienic consideration (n=88). Statistically, the satisfaction rate of the parents who preferred the newborn circumcision was significantly higher. 66 children had minor problems at first postop. week; 8 children had scab over the glans, 11 had edema and ecchymosis, 47 had adhesions. Upward deviated urination was present in 5 children. Buried penis have developed after 34 newborn circumcisions and 16 of buried penises were resolved after 3 +/- 0.5 years. UTI decreased from 33 to 3 after circumcision.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Tradition is the main reason for circumcision. Newborn period and after 6 years of age were the most common circumcision ages. However, parents were apparently happier when their children were circumcised in the newborn period. For the parents' side newborn period is seen as the best time for circumcision. Meatal stenosis (web), after circumcision develops only after newborn circumcision and its incidence is lower than reported in the literature.